Many people come to therapy carrying a heavy burden of shame, believing that no one will truly understand their struggles. If you're feeling this way, we want to assure you that what you're experiencing is likely something we've encountered before. We recognize it takes immense courage to open up, especially when dealing with taboo aspects of OCD, such as harm, sexual, relationship, or religious obsessions—often referred to as "pure OCD." There is no need for embarrassment here; our sessions are designed to be safe spaces, free from judgment.
In cultivating a truly inclusive environment, we unapologetically align ourselves with the LGBTQIA+ community and are dedicated to providing affirming care for all. We embrace clients from every racial, cultural, and religious background, recognizing that personal narratives are intricately woven into the fabric of systemic inequalities (the personal is political). This understanding fuels our unwavering commitment to support everyone who enters our space. Our mission is to create a sanctuary where every individual feels not just accepted, but celebrated and empowered in their identity. Therapist Bios
The term "pure OCD" (aka "pure O" or "purely obsessional OCD") is a bit of a misnomer. It was previously thought that people could have obsessions without any accompanying compulsions. We know now that simply isn't true for most people. Although it's possible to have obsessions without compulsions, this is actually quite rare. The vast majority of people with OCD do engage in compulsions, although with pure OCD those compulsions may be primarily mental in nature. With this newer understanding, the term "pure OCD" is generally used to refer to OCD that centers on themes of harm, sexuality, religious or moral concerns, and relationships. People with pure OCD may engage in both physical compulsions (e.g., reassurance seeking and checking) and mental compulsions (e.g., praying and mentally reviewing situations). In treating pure OCD, it's important to identify both physical and mental compulsions so they can be eliminated. People with this subtype of OCD typically experience a greater level of shame and self-judgment. It can be terrifying to disclose concerns that you're having these types of obsessions. People fear being judged or even being reported to the authorities. Pure OCD Therapy was created to provide a space in which people can feel safe to disclose their symptoms of all kinds.
Harm obsessions often involve a fear of harming loved ones or others perceived as vulnerable. It is also common to have fears of harming oneself. These thoughts differ from genuine suicidal or homicidal thoughts in that they are unwanted thoughts and the person has no real desire to act on these thoughts. Individuals with harm obsessions often fear they are a “bad” person, and they may also fear going to prison, ruining lives, and ruining relationships. Common compulsions include checking, mental review, reassurance seeking, and avoidance.
Relationship OCD (ROCD) involves extreme doubt about one’s relationship. These doubts can center around how one feels about their partner or the relationship itself, or one can struggle with doubts and fears about how their partner feels about them. Core fears with ROCD include fear of being hurt or betrayed, fear of missing out on “the one,” and fear of causing irreparable harm to another person. People with ROCD tend to seek reassurance from their partner or others about their relationship, and they may spend excessive time mentally reviewing situations.
Religious obsessions or Scrupulosity involves the fear of sinning or doing something morally wrong, including blasphemy. Scrupulosity can develop within any set of religious beliefs. People who struggle with scrupulosity may fear being punished, going to Hell, or being a “bad” person. Common compulsions include praying, mental review, seeking reassurance from religious leaders, and avoidance of people or objects. Many people who struggle with religious scrupulosity find it difficult to attend religious services or practice many aspects of their faith.
Sexual obsessions can present as intrusive sexual thoughts about someone inappropriate – often family members, friends, children (POCD), and even pets. People may experience sexual images or impulses to act on sexual thoughts. These thoughts are experienced as disgusting and repulsive to the person and elicit anxiety and shame. Like harm obsessions, people who struggle with sexual obsessions often fear that they are a "bad" person, as well as fear of other negative consequences. Common compulsions include checking for arousal, mental review, reassurance seeking, and avoidance of people.
Perinatal or Postpartum OCD (PPOCD) occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth, often manifesting as obsessions related to one's infant. This condition is common, with prevalence increasing in the early postpartum period, and can affect both parents. Common obsessions include fears that the infant will be contaminated by dirt or germs, as well as intrusive thoughts or images of accidentally or deliberately harming the baby. These obsessions are often linked to worries about being a bad parent and can lead to intense anxiety or guilt. Common compulsions include repetitively washing or sterilizing baby items, checking on the baby throughout the night, and seeking reassurance about the baby’s safety. It is crucial to distinguish PPOCD from postpartum psychosis, which is extremely rare and involves hallucinations and delusions. Unlike those with postpartum psychosis, individuals with PPOCD recognize their fears as inconsistent with their morals and are distressed by their obsessions.
Sexual orientation and gender identity obsessions are related to extreme doubt about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Unlike typical questioning, these obsessions are driven by a profound fear of not knowing oneself and the potential loss of important relationships. Individuals experiencing these doubts often engage in various compulsive behaviors, including body checking, mental review, and attempts to "figure it out." They may seek reassurance from others, visit LGBTQ websites or online forums, and avoid certain people or situations that trigger their anxiety. The persistent nature of these thoughts can lead to significant distress and impact daily functioning and relationships.
Generalized AnxietyDdisorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry about everyday issues and situations. Individuals with GAD often experience a range of symptoms, including restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, increased muscle tension, and challenges with sleep. The persistent nature of these worries can lead to significant anxiety and distress, impacting daily functioning and overall quality of life. Common safety behaviors may include over-preparation, checking, seeking reassurance, and avoidance of places or activities.
Individuals experiencing panic disorder frequently encounter recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. During these episodes, they often endure intense fear and discomfort, which can lead to significant anxiety about the potential for future attacks. This overwhelming fear often results in behavioral changes, such as avoiding situations or places associated with past attacks. The ongoing worry about having another panic attack can severely affect daily functioning and overall quality of life, contributing to increased isolation and distress. Common safety behaviors include carrying medication or comfort objects, avoiding being alone, creating escape plans, monitoring bodily sensations, and relying on a safety person.
For individuals with social anxiety, everyday social interactions can trigger significant feelings of anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. This condition arises from an intense fear of being scrutinized or judged negatively by others. As a result, individuals may go to great lengths to avoid social situations, leading to increased isolation and distress. The persistent worry about how they are perceived can hinder personal and professional relationships, impacting overall quality of life. Common safety behaviors may include rehearsing social interactions, avoiding eye contact, monitoring of self and others, and leaving events early.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. While not everyone who encounters trauma will go on to develop PTSD, each traumatic experience can heighten the risk. Individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts about the event, flashbacks, nightmares, and significant anxiety or emotional distress. To cope, they often avoid triggers that remind them of the trauma, which can further impact their daily life and relationships. Effective treatment typically involves revisiting aspects of the trauma through guided imagery to help the mind reprocess the experience and reduce its emotional intensity, as well as exposure to real-life triggers to aid in desensitization and recovery.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders with the most evidence supporting its use. ERP has consistently demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals overcome these challenges. The process begins with identifying triggers, obsessions, and compulsions, followed by devising a plan to approach these triggers and obsessions (i.e., exposures) while refraining from compulsions (i.e., response prevention). A gradual approach to exposures allows individuals to experience distressing thoughts and feelings while building trust that they will subside over time.
Mindfulness and acceptance-based treatments are essential in managing OCD and anxiety disorders. Mindfulness enhances present-moment awareness and helps individuals detach from negative thought patterns. For those with OCD, mindfulness can be particularly useful in observing obsessions in a nonjudgmental and detached way. This allows clients to acknowledge their intrusive thoughts without becoming overwhelmed, ultimately improving the effectiveness of exposure work. By fostering acceptance and self-compassion, mindfulness empowers individuals to face their triggers with greater confidence and resilience.
Trauma requires a specialized approach, and Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that effectively addresses these challenges. As a form of exposure therapy, PE shares similarities with ERP. We begin by selecting a specific trauma to focus on and identifying the triggers you have been avoiding. Treatment initially emphasizes a gradual approach to facing these triggers. An essential aspect of this process involves discussing the traumatic event, which helps expose and process the trauma-related thoughts and feelings. By reducing avoidance and learning to confront uncomfortable emotions, you can gradually re-engage with your life and foster healing.
Behavioral Activation (BA) is a powerful treatment for depression, particularly common among individuals with OCD, anxiety, or trauma. This approach focuses on helping individuals re-engage with meaningful activities that they may have been avoiding due to depressive symptoms. By identifying personal values and interests, clients create a structured plan to gradually incorporate enjoyable and fulfilling activities into their daily lives. This process not only combats feelings of hopelessness but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and joy. As individuals take small steps toward re-engagement, they can break the cycle of avoidance and experience improved mood and motivation, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.
Carl Jung
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, although this may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and your treatment goals. Meaningful results are usually seen within the first few weeks or months of treatment. Once you have met most of your treatment goals, we can often decrease the frequency of sessions and focus on relapse prevention and maintaining the gains you've made.
Teletherapy is offered, supported by research showing that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating most outpatient concerns. Clients often find it convenient to engage in sessions from the comfort of their homes, which can make exposure therapy more accessible. Additionally, this format allows for working with individuals across the United States, including in areas where accessing quality OCD treatment can be challenging.
We are in network with Quartz Health Solutions and Dean Health Plan. For individuals wanting to use out-of-network benefits, we can provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about services or scheduling. Messages will be responded to typically within one business day.